Senior Engineer, Autonomy Software Integration & Test (R5606)

The role

This engineer will develop and integrate autonomy software for unmanned and autonomous systems, and support lab and live flight testing. The work covers software, aircraft integration, field demonstrations and operational troubleshooting.

What you will do

• Develop and contribute production-quality software features for autonomous systems
• Integrate autonomy software onto fixed-wing, multirotor and other unmanned or autonomous systems
• Develop internal tools, automation, telemetry analysis pipelines and test infrastructure in C++ and Python
• Support software bring-up, system configuration and mission readiness for flight operations
• Debug and troubleshoot autonomy software, onboard compute, radios, networking, sensors, flight controllers and mission systems
• Support SIL, HIL, VIL, ground testing and live flight test activities
• Support field demonstrations and operational test events, including pre-flight setup and post-flight analysis
• Operate and troubleshoot Ground Control Stations and mission support systems
• Capture, analyze and review flight and system data for root cause analysis
• Contribute to operational documentation, test procedures and deployment readiness activities

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering or related field, or equivalent practical experience
• 3+ years of experience developing and integrating software for robotics, autonomy, aerospace, embedded systems or related fields
• Strong software engineering experience in C++ and Python
• Experience contributing to complex software systems in robotics, autonomy, aerospace, embedded systems or related domains
• Experience with Linux-based systems and development environments
• Hands-on experience integrating and troubleshooting hardware and software systems
• Experience supporting field testing, flight testing, demonstrations or operational exercises
• Familiarity with MAVLink, PX4, ArduPilot, QGroundControl or related unmanned systems technologies
• Experience debugging distributed or cross-disciplinary systems involving software, networking, sensors, radios, onboard compute and mission systems
• Strong sense of ownership and ability to operate independently in fast-paced environments
• Strong problem-solving mindset and willingness to work across disciplines
• Ability to travel within Ukraine as required

Nice to have

• Experience supporting autonomous aircraft or unmanned systems
• Experience with SIL, HIL, VIL, simulation or flight test environments
• Familiarity with ROS, DDS, embedded systems or real-time systems
• Experience with RF communications, datalinks and networking systems
• Experience supporting live flight demonstrations or operational deployments
• Familiarity with flight controllers, avionics systems and aircraft integration
• Experience building internal tools for testing, automation, telemetry analysis or operational support
• Background in defense, robotics, aerospace or autonomous systems
• Ukrainian and English language proficiency
• Experience operating in fast-paced and dynamic field environments

Benefits

• Bonus
• Equity (full-time regular employees)
• Benefits package (full-time regular employees)
• Temporary benefits package, applicable after 60 days of employment (temporary employees)

Before you apply

• All offers are contingent on a cleared background check and possible reference check
• Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company that builds intelligent systems to protect service members and civilians. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies.